What are the characteristics of popular historical fiction medieval books?
One characteristic is the detailed portrayal of the medieval setting. This includes descriptions of castles, villages, and the natural landscape. For example, in 'The Pillars of the Earth', Ken Follett painstakingly describes the construction of a cathedral, which gives readers a sense of the architecture and engineering of the time. Another characteristic is the presence of complex characters. These characters often have to navigate the strict social hierarchies of the medieval period. In 'Ivanhoe', the characters are caught up in the power struggles between the Normans and the Saxons. Also, themes like chivalry, honor, and religion are common. In 'The Name of the Rose', the religious debates and the mystery within the abbey are central to the story.
Popular medieval historical fiction books often feature a strong sense of time and place. They transport readers to a world of knights, ladies, and peasants. In books like 'Katherine', we get a glimpse into the courtly life of the 14th century, with its elaborate etiquette and power dynamics. Another aspect is the use of historical events as a backdrop. 'The Mists of Avalon' uses the Arthurian legend, which is deeply ingrained in medieval history and mythology. The characters in these books also face moral dilemmas that were relevant to the medieval era, such as loyalty to king or family, as seen in 'The Once and Future King'. Moreover, the language used can be evocative of the period, with archaic words and phrases that add to the authenticity.
